Why Is Acadia National Park Special? Know The Things To Do

Dec 24, 2024

Last Updated on: Jul 3, 2025

Travel Blog

Located in Maine and along the Atlantic Coastline, Acadia National Park is special because of the tallest mountains. Its rocky Alpine terrains further add to its appeal. 

In addition, this national park is on the east of the Mississippi River. The national park will also take you on a tour of the past. For years, New Englanders have escaped here, and today, it is the best place to learn about the wilderness of the Down East.

Moreover, the Acadia National Park is the easternmost national park in The USA. It is one of the places where everyone in the country sees the sunrise first. 

Do you want to know more about Acadia National Park and the things to do here? Here is a Tour and Travel Guide for you. But before that, here is a sneak peek into the important details about the park. 

Acadia National Park Area: 49,052 acresVisitor Centers: Hulls Cove, Thompson IslandEntry Fee: $12 Per Person and $25 Per VehicleAnnual Visitors: 3.5 Million

Things To Do In The Acadia National Park | You Cannot Miss These Things At The Easternmost National Park In The USA

Things To Do In The Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is brilliant as an outdoor place across all seasons. However, June to September are the months when the national park becomes more welcoming with a moderate temperature. 

However, if you are adventurous enough can deal with sub-zero temperatures, December to February or the winter months are the best times to be at the park. Naturally, fewer visitors come to the park in the freezing cold. So, you will have the quietest time here. 

Having said that, when you visit the park under clear weather conditions, you can take part in the following activities. 

1. Hiking

Hiking

If you have to know Acadia Park, hiking is the best outdoor pursuit for you. The hiking trails will take you along the rocky coastline, through the forests and sometimes will allow you to stand on flat mountain tops. 

Overall, the park has hiking trails of 150 miles. Also, the hiking trails come with various difficulty levels. So, even if you are a beginner or have a child with you, you will love the trails along the coastline. 

Summit HikesCoastal HikesNature Hikes
Precipice LoopGreat Head Trail Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop
Gorham Mountain LoopShip Harbor Trail Schhodic Peninsula Trails
Beehive LoopBar Island Trail Jordan Cliffs Loop

These are some of the prominent hiking trails found in the national park.

2. Bicycling

Bicycling

Acadia National Park is also a paradise for cyclists. There are around 45 miles of trail to explore on a cycle. As a cyclist, you will have to share the same route with the carriages and horses. Further, only Class 1 E-bikes are allowed on the carriage roads. 

The Park Loop Road is the most preferred route for bicycling at the Acadia National Park. As you ride through the park, you will find beautiful scenery. However, if you are not confident enough or have the expertise, you must avoid the ride during the busiest hours of the day. 

The ideal time for bicycling in the park is before 10 AM and after 4 PM. 

Are you looking for more adventures on the bike? You can take a ride through the Western Mountain Roads. These Gravel Roads have the deepest ruts. So, you must exercise caution while biking through this route. 

3. Bird Watching

Bird Watching

Acadia National Park is on Mount Desert Island, which is the “warbler capital of the world.”  You will find 20 species of warblers here, and as you hike through the park or take a nature walk, you will see hundreds of warblers.

Birdwatching as an outdoor activity is also important in the history of the national park. In fact, much of the park’s natural exploration has been possible thanks to birdwatching. 

Here, you will also find the fastest animal in the world, Peregrine Falcons. Moreover, the loons here come in different shades, and watching them in the water is the most relaxing thing to do here. 

4. Stargazing

Stargazing

Once you are done with day activities at the Acadia National Park and have the best nighttime experience here, you can try stargazing. Looking at the night sky and celestial bodies is a transformative act. 

Further, stargazing as an activity calms your mind and promotes spiritual elevation. The Cadillac Summit is the best place for stargazing in this national park. However, vehicles are only allowed to this stargazing space only for certain seasons. 

Especially, the route remains closed from 1st December to 14th April. Moreover, even during the months of October to May, the roads do not remain open after 9 PM. 

Other prominent places for stargazing at Acadia National Park are the sand beach, ocean path, Jordan Pond, and the seawall. 

You must bring a flashlight or headlight with a red light function to watch the stars in the night sky. 

5. Boating

Boating

With a boating permit, you can explore many lakes and ponds on Mount Desert Island. You can get motorboats, kayaks, sailboats and canoes on rent here. Further, you will find many commercial ferry services here taking you on nature cruises or whale watching trips. 

Along with the state regulations, you will also have to abide by the specific restrictions for each waterbody. One of the most important rules here is wearing a life vest. 

Nevertheless, some best places for boating in Acadia National Park are Eagle Lake, Log Pond, Echo Lake, and Jordan Pond. 

6. Exploring The Historic Places 

Acadia National Park is the place with which people have interacted for years. So, today, Acadia National Park is like a living heritage. So, if you are interested in the history of places or human beings, the park awaits you with many prominent hotspots. 

The carriage roads and gatehouses here take you on a tour of the early 20th century. However, the trails here are even older, and they have been evolving since the 1800s. 

Moreover, memorials like the Robert Abbe Memorial Plaque, Atwater Kent Memorial Plaque, and George B. Dorr Plaque are some memorials that will take you through the pages of history. 

Do you want to try some more activities at Acadia National Park? You can try tide pooling and swimming. 

Also read

Share on Social Media

Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

title-img Related

READ MORE Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

BY  Pijus Maity Mar 27, 2025

A few flowers can capture the overall essence of spring, and tulips are one of them. The vibrant colors, elegant shapes, and rich history make tulips the ultimate symbol of renewal and beauty.  Even though the tulip mania significantly contributed to the 17th—17th-century Dutch economic bubble, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is the prime example that the mania is still alive.  Imagine this: You are walking through an endless field filled with red, purple, yellow, and pink tulips! The fields stretch as far as your eyes can see! That’s the feel!   This is a dream come true for photographers, a paradise for nature lovers, and a perfect place to breathe some fresh air.  So, as you start your journey, you must read this guide to the 2025 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. In this guide, we will talk about the best time to visit the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, where you can find the tulip gardens and enjoy your trip as much as possible.  Here’s The Guide To The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival  The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is the ultimate way to celebrate spring. Want to enjoy it to the fullest? Check out the following guide to experience the beauty of tulip gardens with friends and family.  Pick the Right Time to Visit It is always necessary to choose the travel time, no matter where you go. Regardless of the dependency on the weather, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival runs for the entire month of April.  In the earlier month of April, you may catch a few daffodils. The tulips start to bloom somewhere between mid to late April.  Thus, you must check the blooming status to avoid disappointment once you go there! This will help you plan your trip accordingly, especially when the colorful flowers are at their best!  Also, I would suggest you visit the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival on the weekdays since the weekends are very busy and crowded. You should see the field early in the morning. This way, you will be able to experience a quieter and relaxed landscape.  Dress for the Weather In the Pacific Northwest, spring weather can change quickly. One moment, it's warm and sunny; the next, it could turn cool and rainy.  That's why I think wearing layers would be a smart move. This way, you can add or remove clothing based on the temperature shift.  Next, you must think about your shoes. The fields often get muddy, especially if it rains. So, waterproof shoes or boots keep your feet dry and help you walk comfortably. In contrast, flip-flops and dress shoes make moving hard and can easily get ruined. Choose Your Tulip Farms The festival is spread across several tulip farms throughout the valley. Each farm has its charm. Thus, you must explore more than one because it gives you a fuller experience. Before you head out, check each farm's website for hours and ticket details. Some locations, especially on busy weekends, require advance tickets. Here’s a breakdown of the key farms and gardens  Roozengaarde: This is famous for its 50-acre display with numerous tulips and a huge variety of tulips. Roozengaarde is the ultimate destination for spring lovers.  Tulip town: This specifically features various tulips across 5 acres of fields.  Tulip Valley Farms: The only U-pick tulip farm located in Skagit Valley. You can have a great time there with your friends and family.  Garden Rosalyn: This 7-acre garden of tulips also includes ponds with ducks and geese, making it more attractive.  Skagit Acres: A new addition to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in 2025. The field will include 3-acre tulip fields.  Enjoy Local Food and Shops The nearby towns add even more to your visit. You can visit places like Mount Vernon, La Conner, and Burlington. These places are excellent places to dine in the Pacific Northwest.  Moreover, you'll find local spots serving fresh meals, sweet treats, and unique finds. You'll also see food vendors set up near the Tulip Valley farm. You can visit there, between farm visits.  So, you can grab a warm drink or a quick bite while you take a break! Some stands even offer tulip-themed gifts or fresh bouquets, which are probably great souvenirs to take home. Plan for Traffic and Parking The roads around Mount Vernon can be crowded during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, which happens more often on weekends and when the weather is nice. On top of that, many roads near the farms are narrow. So getting where you're going can take longer. I suggest you give yourself extra time to stay on track. Moreover, you might face poor network challenges. Before your trip, you can download maps and directions.  Once you get there, you can try to look for signs or volunteers to guide you. Most farms have free parking, but a few might charge a small fee. Bring Your Camera, But Be Respectful The Tulip fields are perfect for photos. Whether you use your phone or a camera, you'll find many great spots to capture the view. When you are exploring, you must stay on the marked paths. If you step into the rows, you can damage the flowers and spoil the experience for others. It's also crucial to protect the work of the farmers. Treat the fields with care so everyone can enjoy their beauty. If you plan on using a drone, check the rules first. Most farms don't allow them, so it's better to know before you go. Bring Your Family The festival is a fun outing for all ages, making it one of the best places to travel with kids. Still, you might face a few challenges if you're bringing little ones,  Strollers can be hard to push through muddy ground. A baby carrier often works better in the fields of tulips. You'll likely be outside for a while, so pack snacks, drinks, and a few wipes for comfort. Many farms also offer things for kids to enjoy, like play zones or tractor rides, which makes the experience even better for them. The Best Way To Plan Your Visit: Here’s How You Can Purchase The Tickets So, are you ready to experience the beauty of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival from up close? In the following section, I will provide you with all the details about the tickets for the tulip gardens. Read on… RoozenGaarde The ticket price for RoozenGaarde from Monday to Thursday is $16. The same ticket price from Friday to Sunday is $20.  Further, it remains open from 9 AM to 7 PM from Monday to Friday. The visiting hours on Saturday and Sunday are 9 AM to 7 PM.  Tulip Valley Farms The ticket prices for entry to Tulip Valley Farms vary based on your age and the group you belong to.  For example, the ticket price for children aged 3 to 15 is $10. For adults (16+), it is $16 from Monday to Thursday and $18 from Friday to Sunday.  Again, for seniors and military persons (with IDs), the ticket price is $15 from Monday to Thursday and $17 from Friday to Sunday.  Tulip Valley Farms opened on 1 April 2025 and will remain open until 30 April 2025. During the season, it is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, 7 days a week.  Tulip Town The online ticket prices for visitors aged above 12 are $18. You can also make an in-person booking for $20.  Further, Tulip Town will remain open from 1st to 30th April 2025, seven days a week during the spring season.  The hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 10 AM to 6 PM, and Friday through Sunday, 9 AM to 7 PM.  Garden Rosalyn You can book the tickets for Garden Rosalyn in person and online at $17. It will remain open from 1st to 30th April 2025 on all days of the week.  Skagit Acres Skagit Acres offers online and in-person booking facilities. The ticket prices for children aged 6 to 12 are $10, and for adults, they are $18.  Seniors above 65 years and Military persons will get tickets at $15.  Further, the garden center of Skagit Acres remains open year-round. However, the tulip field is only open from the 1st to the 30th of April.  Booking tickets for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is pretty straightforward! Visit https://tulipfestival.org/garden-tickets/  and select the garden according to your preferences. The site also provides the location and directions for the garden.  Ways to Reach the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival  There are multiple ways to visit the Skagit Tulip Festival. However, walking is not recommended. By Bike The valley roads are pretty flat. So, travelling by bike can be much easier for you to access the tulip fields, events, and attractions.  However, you must stay prepared for rainy and windy weather conditions. Before traveling, you can check out self-guided bike tours to learn the do’s and don’ts.  By Car  If you decide to drive a four-wheeler, then you must take state route 20 to enter the tulip area. You can find plenty of free parking at RoozenGaarde, Tulip Valley Farms, Garden Rosalyn, and Tulip Town. Roadside parking is pretty limited due to weather conditions and traffic safety. Law enforcement might issue a ticket for parking in the no-parking zone, so stay aware of it!  By Bus Skagit Valley transient services have several routes across the valley. If you arrive in Mount Vernon, you can ride the Skagit Transit Route 615 to visit the tulip fields. All of the transports depart from the Skagit Valley Station.  By Train  Amtrak Cascades travels to Mount Vernon. However, there is no shuttle available from the station. You just have to make reservations, as the trains are small and fill up pretty quickly.   Conclusion The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is a springtime experience like no other. If you can make the right planning, the right gear, and a flexible mindset, you can enjoy a day surrounded by endless color and beauty.  Whether you're snapping photos, walking hand-in-hand with a loved one, or watching your kids run through the vibrant tulips, the memories you make here will last long after the flowers fade.  So grab your boots, charge your camera, and prepare for one of Washington's most beautiful tulip garden adventures!

READ MORE chick fil a breakfast hours

Chick Fil A Breakfast Hours: When Do They Start Serving Breakfast?

BY  sagnika Aug 5, 2023

Chick-Fil-A can easily fulfill our sudden craving for chicken biscuits! Especially during breakfast hours, it is considered one of the best dining experiences! The wicked combination of food items such as cheese, egg, sausage, and other things has people thinking about Chick-Fil-A! A fast food restaurant, Chick-Fil-A is considered one of the best for the quality of its chicken-based food items. The food quality is overall good, and there are various options, from milkshakes to sandwiches. Read the article to learn further about other things available during breakfast orders. The fast food chain is based on poultry, and even with the competitive market, they maintain a strict policy of closed Sundays, ensuring that all employees get respite from their work lives. Want to know more about Chick Fil A breakfast hours? Keep reading! Chick Fil A Breakfast Hours: When Do They Start Serving Breakfast? Chick-Fil-A has become a brand as the family-owned chain is based in Atlanta. The cultural precipitation of the South is imbibed in their style and hospitality even though they are expanding into markets of Washington and New York. The past profit of the chain has crossed millions of dollars. The company has also created an effective community by funding groups such as same-sex marriage, practicing conversion therapy, and supporting the growth and development of sexual orientation of people. They also support discrediting false beliefs such as homosexuality as a mental illness. People are fans of the chick-fil-a breakfast hours and wait hours for breakfast. Do you know the Chick Fil A breakfast hours? You must read the article to learn the correct time to go and order your breakfast. What Are Chick-Fil-A? Image Source: i.cbc.ca They have become a strong competitor to Mcdonalds' and Starbucks Corp. The hospitality of Chick-Fil-A is well known. However, many people do not like the neonatal ward-like treatment of visitors. The cleanliness of the restaurant is at par, and there have not been many complaints against it. However, there are certain complaints regarding their food products that might need to perform better than other products. The brand well understands the spiritual understanding between the food and the customer. The food items created by Chick-Fil-A are focused on something other than the looks and perception of prettiness by using out-of-season tomatoes, mayo, and watery lettuce. Instead, it creates the perfect combination of chicken and pickles, which are always on the bottom so that the burger is not watery, with butter, sugar, and salt! Another good element of the brand is using only boneless breast meat. What Are The Best Dishes Of Chick-Fil-A In Breakfast? Many items on the menu of chick fil are noteworthy. However, two specific needs must be identified and addressed in the special mention of the best dishes. Chick-N-Minis This item is only available on chick fil a menu breakfast hours and is in nugget form. They are stuffed into mini rolls, which might not look pretty but taste like heaven. The rolls taste perfect when hot and are served in foils during breakfast. The calories in the item are 350 with 14g of fat. Hash Browns The item is only available during Chick Fil A breakfast hours and is delicious. They are in two shapes, one rectangular and another cylindrical. The look is closer to nuggets with a perfect level of crunch and salt. You do not need ketchup with these. The calorie with this item is 240, along with 16g of fat. Is Breakfast The Best Time To Order From Chick-Fil-A? The breakfast time for Chick-Fil-A has a variety of food items. The chick fil breakfast hours are from 6 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. You can easily get breakfast in the restaurant from Monday to Saturday. So if you are wondering, what time does chick fil a open? Well it's early! The four specific items on the chick fil a menu breakfast hours you can order are bacon, egg, and cheese with a muffin, chicken biscuit, chicken, egg, and cheese bagel, and the fourth item is sausage, egg, and cheese biscuits. Chicken Biscuit Chicken biscuit is the most popular dish of Chick-Fil-A, and it tastes delicious. People love the taste and the texture, considering it is crunchy, crisp, and salty. Along with it, a packet of honey and hot sauce. What can be better than this combination for a lazy breakfast? The item has 450 calories along with 1310 mg sodium and 21g fat. Cheese Biscuit, Egg, And Sausage The next item on the list for breakfast hour is a cheese biscuit, egg, and sausage, which has 600 calories, 1520 mg sodium, and 40g sodium. The item resembles the McDonald's version of the sausage and cheese biscuit, but this version is more fluffier. Egg, Cheese, And Bacon On Muffin The third item is Egg, Cheese, and Bacon put together on Muffin. However, due to the Muffin being dry, there is a high chance that the food could taste better than it sounds. Chick-fil-A is trying to copy the ways of McDonald's, but with this item, they have desperately failed. The calories in this item are 300, while the fat is 12g. Chicken, Cheese, And Egg Bagel Another item available during breakfast is a chicken, cheese, and egg bagel. The sandwich does have fluffier scrambled eggs. However, it cannot give any tough competition to other brands in the market. Read More: Burger King Breakfast Hours: What Time Does Burger King Serve Breakfast? Hospitality And Services Image Source: image.cnbcfm.com The company must receive the credit for its stand regarding labor laws by confirming one fixed-off for all staff, even if it means hampering the business. The kind of business they have and the industry in which they belong, Sunday is considered one of the highest profitable days, yet they have kept it closed for their employee's welfare. The brand must be given credit regarding its performance in the market, especially with the treatment of laborers. They are known for their lowest rate of wage violation. They are also known in the industry for their philanthropic performance and contribution to general education and youth development. Chick fil a is also known to provide a huge rate of scholarships, especially because they are a billion-dollar company; hence, funding for social causes and charity is something that only some companies are focused on. When you visit their restaurant, you feel they have maintained diversity and inclusiveness. Even on a global scale, they have stood up for minorities and marginalized people and raised their voices against the maltreatment of people. Read More: Taco Bell Breakfast Hours: When Does Taco Bell Serve Breakfast? Conclusion Please read the article to learn more Chick Fil A breakfast hours and why it is people's favorite! Comment down below regarding your favorite fast food restaurant and why. Read Also: Starbucks – Best Review By Users Cafe Coffee Day – Best Review By Users Three Dollar Cafe – Reviews, Special Food, Pet Friendly Cafe Wendy’s Breakfast Hours: When To Visit Wendy’s For Breakfast?

READ MORE stairway to heaven hawaii

The Stairway To Heaven Hawaii: Hiking Adventure’s Hidden Gem

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 5, 2023

Going on a hike up the infamous Stairway to Heaven Hawaii on the island of Oahu calls for in-depth preparation on your part. It is one of the most dangerous hiking trails. It is also known as the Haiku Stairs. In this article, you will find information on the hike’s history, current status, alternate routes, incline, security, distance, best weather conditions, helpful gear, and a guide to get there. History Of The Stairway To Heaven Hawaii lifeonearth.com In 1942, contractors for the U.S. Navy began the construction of the Haiku Radio Station. It was a top-secret facility that transmitted radio signals to Navy ships that were operating in the Pacific. To get the right altitude for the antennae, they stretched them across the haiku valley, which is like a natural amphitheater. You might still see the remnants of the wooden ladder beside the new metal steps. The radio station was commissioned in 1943. A stronger transmitter that could relay powerful signals was necessary. This could not be done with the vacuum tube technology used at the time. So they chose to go with an Alexanderson alternator, which uses a huge device that can generate powerful yet low-frequency radio signals. It would need a large antenna. When the Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay was transferred to the Marine Corps around the 1950s, the U.S. Coast Guard used the Haiku Radio Station site for an Omega Navigation System station. In the mid-1950s, the wooden stairs were replaced by sections of metal steps and ramps. The total number of stairs stood at 3,922. The Coast Guard did not stop hikers in the 1970s but had to stop after it featured in the Magnum P.I. movies, which increased the number of visitors. The station as well as the trail have both been closed to the public since 1987. Recent History In 2003, plans were made to reopen the stairs to the public, and the cost incurred to repair the stairs was $87,500. The public access being shut down, residents found themselves surrounded by unknown faces of hikers and tourists and litter all around. In early 2018, the City and County of Honolulu released a statement to not open the stairs to the public, showing liability concerns. Some hikers, however, continued to trespass, which only strengthened the local community’s resolve to keep the structure closed to the public. The Friends of Haiku Stairs, a volunteer group that aims to preserve the trail, pitched that there could be an alternative to a no-trespass, safe public access to the trail without taxpayer costs. The trail now is a disputed one with all its beauty and thrill. However, it has not stopped the locals, hikers, and travelers from stealing past the guards posted at the bottom of the stairs. This hike is a strong dose of adventure, climbing nearly 4,000 steps along an 18-inch wide staircase to reach an elevation of more than 2,000 ft. Incidents squarespace-cdn.com The hiking trail is not a site for any major injuries or accidental Stairway to Heaven Hawaii deaths on the stairs. There have only been minor incidences in the last decade. However, between 2021 and 2022, there have been more number of injuries and rescues of hikers trying to get to the top of the stairs. The rescues have mostly taken place for hikers going through the Moanalua Ridge, which is the longer and more difficult of the trails. Many hikers are rescued “near the Haiku Stairs” and not the Hawaii Stairway to Heaven itself. In 2014, 6 people were arrested, and 135 were quoted to have climbed the stairs. According to the City Prosecutor's Office, a criminal trespass in the second degree carries a $1000 fine. The Stairway To Heaven Hike Hawaii: My Experience The Stairway To Heaven hike on Oahu, Hawaii, is possibly the biggest attraction on the entire island. A grueling number of 3,922 stairs go up to the imposing mountain ridge. Most of the time, the incline is vertical, with only a handrail to save you from falling into the valley below. It sounds dramatic, but it is what it is. But it isn’t too dangerous if you are prepared for it. Distance: 2 miles or 3 km round trip Elevation Gain: 2,630 feet or 800m Duration: 2-3 hrs up, 1-2 hrs down We started out by being dropped off in the neighborhood at 2 am in the morning. It was a clear night with just a few light clouds hovering over the mountains. As soon as we got out of our car, a resident came rushing out of his front yard, yelling at us. Thus, startled by the old man, we hurried away to the “main entrance” to get our eyes fried with a beaming flashlight. The Trail We silently went off in the opposite direction toward an alternate entry point, keeping in mind that the old man quite possibly called the guard or the police to warn them about us. We were thrilled by the idea of being caught and afraid of being caught, actually. Walking through the neighborhood as quietly as possible, the barking of dogs totally blew our cover, making our presence known. We ran down the street to a small alley that led up to the hill. We had to cross over the barbed wire fence, which was close to a residential area. It is understandable why the residents are so annoyed with trespassers. From here, we had to steal past the knee-high undergrowth as quietly as we could go. We were nervous when approaching the guard, understanding that we had trespassed multiple sites that were strictly no-go. As we approached the red car of the guard, we found that no guard was around. We walked past it and towards the stairs. As we ascended the stairs, we finally felt relieved to think that the police or guards didn’t go after the trespassers on the stairs. On The Stairs change.org We felt much safer, and we could now enjoy our 3 a.m. hike along the Stairway to Heaven. In 2015, a storm damaged many parts of the stairs to the point where they could not support use. It is not dangerous per se, but it makes your ascension more thrilling. A few of the steps were loose, and we had to keep that in mind while treading on each of them. We did not have headlamps. We followed the full moon up the narrow and damp stairway. I managed to keep looking back to see the highway, which kept getting smaller as we went higher in order to reach platform one. Grasping the slippery railing tightly, we made our way to the second platform, where an abandoned cabin lay with old machinery inside. It looked straight out of a post-apocalyptic movie. Another two hours went by, and we almost reached the summit. The final section of the hike consists of boards instead of stairs, which make it a catwalk at 2000 ft. in the air on top of a sharp ridge. At The Top squarespace-cdn.com At the summit, we found an old cabin with huge antennae on top. We moved around the space on top among the clouds. We then returned to the bunker to wait for the spectacular sunset this place always has. Putting on a fresh pair of dry shirts and jackets made the experience much more comfortable while at the summit. The sky became a pale blue and then shades of purple. With that, the sun came tearing through the haze. It shone yellow and gold over the Haiku Hawaii Valley. Many others witnessed the sunrise along with us, who began their descent once the spectacle of the sunrise was over. One of the trails downward is the Moanalua trial, which is a 6-mile route, but you can miss out on the views. It also helps you avoid the guards if that is your main issue, but it is 3 to 4 times longer than other routes. The hike down was a treat for photographers. We were in no rush, so we got down at our own pace, taking in the views and shots for our socials. It feels amazing to have ascended in the dark and then descending in broad daylight. It took less than 2 hours to reach the bottom. We saw the guard’s red car where it was in the morning, but this time, we took the risk and did not avoid it. The Guard Below .journeyera.com Meeting guard, he joked, saying, “I’ve called the cops, they must not have come,” as he began laughing to himself. His sense of humor eased our anxiety. He gave us the look of get-out-of-here-before-you-get-caught, and we crept away on queue. The situation has become much more serious in the recent past, so the guards may not be as friendly as they were. Be careful if you go in 2023. At the final gate, we saw no signs of police or angry residents. We were free! We could not believe we had just hiked the Stairway to Heaven Hawaii! This is truly a place for one and all. It looks like the real version of Jurassic Park. It is dreamy as well as eerie. You can totally attempt this hike if you visit Oahu. Try to have someone who has visited before guide you through this hike if you visit here for the first time. Alternate Route thatadventurelife.com The alternate route is the Moanalua Trail. The route is 9.3 miles in length. It gets you all muddy and is not the easier option, either. It can help you avoid the guards at the beginning of the trail. But it is not hassle-free. It all depends on when you go and how well-prepared you are for any kind of situation. Things To Pack For The Stairway To Heaven Oahu Hawaii Hike Going unprepared for the hike is one of the biggest mistakes you will make. You must have the basics and stay prepared for bad weather. Here is a list of essentials you must consider among everything else. Arcteryx BETA AR Rain Jacket: This is the rain jacket of your dreams. They are super light. They will fold into the tiniest ball and save you from the harshest storm. Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots: For better ankle support on that 400-step long hike, waterproofing and toughened exterior are necessary for your boots. These Solomons can easily be your best buddy. Black Diamond Head Torch: In case you return incredibly late from your hike and it gets dark, a headlamp will help you as nothing else will. Keep this one handy for sure. Darn Tough Socks: These will be the most comfortable hiking socks you will own. They don’t wear out easily, either. They have a lifetime warranty. You simply send them with any sign of wear and tear, and they will replace it without further questions. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Here are some common questions people ask about this hike, take a peek: 1. How Did The Stairway Come About?   The stairs were originally built in 1942 by the U.S. Navy as a top-secret facility to transmit radio signals to ships that were sailing in the Pacific Ocean. The stairs went public, deeming it fit until 1987, when it became dangerous due to disrepair. Residents of Oahu have fond memories of hiking up the stairway to heaven legally a long time ago.The city of Honolulu reportedly spent almost a million dollars in renovating the stairs and considered re-opening the stairs to the public in 2002. Resident complaints and safety concerns halted the re-opening, and the stairs have stayed closed ever since. 2. What Are Some Of The Other Places To Visit In Oahu? You could take a helicopter flight tour without the doors. The view from above will blow you away. A shark cage tour can ensure you don’t talk about thrilling adventures for another year or so. It will give the adrenaline rush like no other. Ecofriendly dolphin and snorkel tours are also available. Wrapping Up The Stairway to Heaven Hawaii trail is dangerous when seen from below. It is only when you undertake the hike (with proper planning and preparedness, of course) that you understand it is not as daunting as it looked. All you need is a thirst for thrill and sharp wit that comes in handy when you go face to face with adversity. There is also the added fear of strict laws around the hike, which will keep you on your toes. Let us know if you visit this amazing trail. And if you have questions or thoughts to share, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Portals To The Unknown: Exploring Natural Gravity Vortex! The Perfect Getaway: Discovering The Closest Beach To Disney World! Walking On Sunshine: Exploring The Magic Of Vietnam’s Golden Hand Bridge!